A Boston-based planning firm will help plot the future of a 42-acre public area on the Sarasota Bayfront, marking a major step forward in one of the city’s most closely watched public processes in its history. Now, work will begin on assembling a team of professionals working for Sasaki on the property now being branded as “The Bay.”

“In talking with the community through this process, we heard many times that the bayfront is a great source of pride—a place that truly makes Sarasota unique and special,” says Gina Ford, a principal at Sasaki and a landscape architect. “We are thrilled to build on the great visioning work already completed and to help create a tangible master plan vision for this extraordinary site.”

The firm was among four that presented formal pitches to Sarasota about how it would handle the long planning process ahead. During that process, Ford described The Bay as a “green and blue oasis.” “It just needs polish, and I think we’re the right team to bring it,” she said. The presentation focused on how citizens of Sarasota would experience the public space in moments of relaxation and excitement.

Michael Klauber, a member of the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization, says the priority for members of his group remained on the ability to process the needs of the community. “My focus has been on which firm is going to be the best listener,” he said before the selection was made. “Who is going to engage the community in the process?”

He also noted that the project would be a great one for the consultants to undertake largely because of the guiding principles and vision statements already developed by the locally formed Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 organization, where Klauber played a major role.

The Bay should be able to manage major outdoor events, and also host playgrounds and spots for spontaneous gatherings of individuals, from cocktails to concerts. They showcased past projects on waterfront areas such as the Ridell Master Plan in Portland, Oregon, the Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati, Ohio and the Gulf State Park Master Plan in Alabama. None of those were small projects, nor will the planning for the future of The Bay. “We also need to know this is a long game we’re playing together,” Ford said. Sasaki officials said an action plan will be needed for The Bay property.

Klauber noted that the selection now begins a negotiation process with Sasaki, where a scope of work and team make-up can be finalized. The Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization is tasked with delivering a master plan for the 42 acres of city-owned land on the Bayfront and to propose an operating structure for professional management of the project.

Editor’s Note: This is part 41 of an ongoing series documenting the flights of active-duty US Navy Pilot Ryan Rankin on his journey to fly 52 planes in 52 weeks through the year 2017.

Setting aside the warbirds and aerobatics for the moment, Rankin straps in for perhaps his most relaxing flight yet, in the Beechcraft Baron. A “straight” airplane, says Rankin, the Baron lies between no-frills and fancy, giving just enough comfort for an incredibly smooth ride, but not so much to become cost-prohibitive.

A multi-engine aircraft introduced in the late 1950s, much of the Baron’s longevity can be traced to its blend of affordability and performance. Making the jump to a multi-engine craft bumps the price tag considerably, and a brand new Baron still goes for more than a million dollars, but a used one can be found for less than 100 thousand. In terms of cars or pencils, that’s a lot. When speaking of multi-engine aircraft, it’s not. But there’s no sense in buying, even cheap, if the ride isn’t worth it. Rankin thinks it just might be. “I was surprised at how comfortable and smooth and desirable an airplane it is,” he says.

Taking off with his buddy and squadmate, Jimmy Gaston, also a pilot instructor, the pair stows friend Patrick in the back (he’s got dibs on the next flight) and sets in for a leisurely 30-minute flight over Blackwater Bay and back to the airfield in Milton, FL, where Gaston houses his Baron. And with the Baron, there’s no need for fancy flying or a notable wartime history to impress—the quality of the flight speaks for itself. “It was super-smooth,” says Rankin, especially after trainers designed to highlight pilot error. The Baron also brings an autopilot and yaw dampener to bear, requiring even less hands-on piloting. “It just does what you ask it to,” he says.

Put all this together, and it’s a recipe for freedom, with the ability to “bomb about” the region or even head out cross-country. Gaston picked up for an impromptu trip to the FSU game last weekend, turning a daylong ordeal into a quick trip. “It’s super-convenient and the way to go, if you ask me,” says Rankin. “It makes the area around you feel a lot smaller.”

For more about the flight in Rankin's own words and a video of the flight, follow the link below.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has welcomed a new Internal Medicine/Pediatrics specialist to the health system’s First Physicians Group (FPG) network and community. Dr. Sarah Scarselletta has begun accepting new patients at FPG’s Internal Medicine and Pediatrics office in Osprey. She joins Dr. Rachel Dahlborg, Dr. Karen Hamad, Dr. Alan King, Dr. Jack Rodman, Dr. John Wassenaar and Dr. Joseph Yeh in the Internal Medicine & Pediatrics practice. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Scarselletta has worked as an inpatient hospital and urgent care physician, providing a full spectrum of care for patients of all ages, in Northampton and Springfield, MA, since 2013. She earned her medical degree at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in New York in 2009, and completed her residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Tufts University/Baystate Medical Center in 2013. She is proficient in Spanish and has volunteered in medical education programs in Costa Rica and Prague.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently awarded Embracing Our Differences a $40,000 grant to help fund its 2018 outdoor exhibition, which runs April 4 to May 31, 2018, in Sarasota’s Island Park. The grant will also be directed to empower EOD’s annual educational outreach programs and initiatives. A portion of the grant will be directed to Embracing Our Differences' annual teacher workshops and retreats, which provide area educators with skills, strategies and resources relating to arts appreciation, character building and diversity education. The grant will also provide vital resources for Embracing Our Differences’ Make-A-Day-of-It! program, which funds bus transportation for thousands of students and teachers to visit the outdoor exhibits and other arts and cultural venues. With more than 42,000 students participating in the organization’s exhibit and educational programs in 2017 alone, Embracing Our Differences continues to lead as one of the largest education programs in southwest Florida.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance will kick off their 12th season with a highly anticipated collaboration between renowned harpist, Ann Hobson Pilot and Violinist, Tai Murray inspired by and to the music of Astor Pantaleon Piazzolla. SCD + Piazzolla will present a unique musical and choreographic spin on this famous artist, which promises to keep romance alive through a hot contemporary production.

This year marks the 12th Anniversary that Saks Fifth Avenue is partnering with Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation to present Key to the Cure! To date, this event has raised more than $1,300,000 to further breast, ovarian, uterine, cervical cancer research and related projects in the Sarasota/Manatee community. This year's "Party with a Purpose" event will feature food, beverages, entertainment, shopping and an exclusive "chance drawing" that is sure to engage, excite and empower!

Go back in time to a Cuban-American cigar factory in 1929 Florida. Lectors are employed to educate and entertain the workers, and when a new one comes to a certain factor and reads aloud from Anna Karenina, he influences the lives of his listeners.

Take a trip down memory lane and reminisce Red Skelton. Brian Hoffman portrays the man and some of his popular characters in a spot-on depiction. Meet characters from Gertrude and Heathcliffe, Clem Kadiddlehopper and Freddy the Freeloader and bust you gut from laughter. Arrive early to enjoy a half hour pre-show video with celebrities from the screen in the 50s to 70s.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

[SOON]MUSIC:
Sarah Mac Band , October 14, 8pm

Sarah Mac Band has been called the "Next Big Thing in Florida." Musicians Sarah Mac, Claire Swindell, and Charlie Vanture make up the twelve year old trio. The group create original music that blends the styles of all three artists.

Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]PERFORMANCE:
Mission: Wildlife , October 15, 2pm

Catch Wildlife Ambassador Julie Scardina and her troupe of rescue animals on the big stage. Audience participation is heavily featured and encouraged in this performance for people of all ages. Learn more about flora and fauna from across the world. Tickets are $27, $30 or $37, depending on seating.

Experience the brilliance of internationally-acclaimed musicians, actors, and dancers at the 2017 Ringling International Arts Festival. With affordably priced performances you can enjoy the entire day. Lunch and dinner are available on-site.

For ardent aficionados of adventurous art, the 2017 Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF) presents a dynamic array of ingenious and inventive contemporary performance. With music ranging from the folkloric to the avant-garde, dance that explores the comedy and pathos of 21st-century life, and theatrical narratives both intimate and massive in scope and in scale, this is your opportunity to explore the unexpected and expect the unexplored. With affordably priced performances you can enjoy the entire day. Lunch and dinner are available on-site. Members save 10% on all tickets and Non-Members save 10% when purchasing 4+ RIAF productions. Tickets may be purchased online, in person or by calling. Come, be amazed, and take part in the adventure!

The Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]PERFORMANCE:
Nobuntu , October 19 – October 21

From Zimbabwe comes Nobuntu, the acclaimed a cappella quintet with an inventive program of Zimbabwean folksongs, Afro Jazz, and Gospel. Performed with pure voices, traditional instruments, and authentic dance, Nobuntu transcends racial, tribal, and religious boundaries.

Join Second Chance Last Opportunity for the 22nd Annual Share the Light Luncheon on October 19 at Michael’s on East. Emceed by Bobeth Yates of ABC7 and Justin Mosely of The Suncoast News Network, the event will honor Lee-En Chung, P.E., LEED AP, Founder and Construction Consulting Engineer and Valerie Powell-Stafford, FACHE, CEO at Englewood Community Hospital. Standard tickets are $65/person or $520 for a table of eight.

Michaelís on East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]MUSIC:
The Woodwork , October 20, 8pm

Formed in March of 2016, the indie band has shown mastery in their music and performances. Their music is an almalgam of genres, with a blend of folk and jazz music coupled with hints of Latin jazz and fingerstyle guitar.

Join the Women’s Sports Museum for their Second Annual Gala, “A Celebration of Women in Sports” on October 20. Trailblazers from the world of sports will be honored at this year’s gala, including sports broadcast journalist Lesley Visser, mountain biker and extreme athlete Rebecca Rusch and groundbreaking equestrian Donna Cheek. This year, the event moves to Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens. The museum will present two scholarships to Sarasota County female student athletes. Sponsorships, in-kind donations and contributions are also being accepted, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit foundation’s efforts to build the nation’s first standalone museum dedicated to women in sports right here in Sarasota.

Buoys and ghouls of all ages are invited to dress up in costume for a Night of Fish, Fun and Fright at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Unearth shark teeth in Coffin Creek, enjoy deep sea delights in the Diner of the Dead and take part in Mad Science experiments and activities. Don’t miss Mote’s signature underwater pumpkin carving in their spooktacular shark habitats and enjoy entertainment from students at EveryOneRocks.

The reopening of one of downtown Sarasota's bookstores is welcoming all to attend for festivities, prizes and refreshments to commemorate the event. The bookstore houses a wide collection of gently used books of all genres, as well as some rare and collectible finds. Aside from literature, antique and modern jewelry will be sold.

Friends of the Selby Public Library Bookstore, 1331 1st St., Sarasota

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